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Antibacterial assessment of commercially available hand sanitizers in Pakistan by EN-1500

Infect Dis Health. 2023 Mar 31:S2468-0451(23)00013-5. doi: 10.1016/j.idh.2023.03.002. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of hand sanitizers marketed to the general population is essential for infection prevention and control. Main theme of the study was that whether the commercially available hand sanitizers meet the WHO recommended standards in terms of efficacy? Current study aims to investigate the efficacy of ten commercially available hand sanitizers.

METHODS: The methodology was based on European Standard EN-1500. Following the artificial contamination of hands, pre and post samples were obtained to determine the log reduction values for each sanitizer.

RESULTS: The results showed that out of ten only one sanitizer showed highest log reduction which was comparable to the reference product. Product B was most efficient in sanitization of hands with mean log reduction of 6.00 ± 0.15. The lowest sanitization efficacy was recorded for product F with mean log reduction of 2.40 ± 0.51, however the reference product 2-propanol result in mean log reduction of 6.0 ± 0.00. The products used in this study show a statistical significant results (p value: < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that only one product showed active sanitizer efficacy. This study provides an important insight for manufacturing company and authorizing authorities to assess the efficacy of hand sanitizer. Hand sanitization is one approach to stop the spread of diseases carried on by harmful bacteria inhabiting our hands. Apart from the manufacturing strategies, ensuring proper use and quantity of hand sanitizers is very important.

PMID:37005216 | DOI:10.1016/j.idh.2023.03.002

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Radiation-based Therapy for Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: Contemporary Outcomes Across Tertiary Centers

Eur Urol Oncol. 2023 Mar 31:S2588-9311(23)00068-8. doi: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.03.004. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Radiation therapy (RT) is an alternative to radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze predictors of complete response (CR) and survival after RT for MIBC.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a multicenter retrospective study of 864 patients with nonmetastatic MIBC who underwent curative-intent RT from 2002 to 2018.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Regression models were used to explore prognostic factors associated with CR, cancer-specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: The median patient age was 77 yr and median follow-up was 34 mo. Disease stage was cT2 in 675 patients (78%) and cN0 in 766 (89%). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was given to 147 patients (17%) and concurrent chemotherapy to 542 (63%). A CR was experienced by 592 patients (78%). cT3-4 stage (odds ratio [OR] 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.63; p < 0.001) and hydronephrosis (OR 0.50, 95% CI 034-0.74; p = 0.001) were significantly associated with lower CR. The 5-yr survival rates were 63% for CSS and 49% for OS. Higher cT stage (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.46-2.56; p < 0.001), carcinoma in situ (HR 2.10, 95% CI 1.25-3.53; p = 0.005), hydronephrosis (HR 2.36, 95% CI 1.79-3.10; p < 0.001), NAC use (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.95; p = 0.025), and whole-pelvis RT (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.86; p = 0.002) were independently associated with CSS; advanced age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; p = 0.001), worse performance status (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.34-2.22; p < 0.001), hydronephrosis (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.17-1.91; p = 0.001), NAC use (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.97; p = 0.033), whole-pelvis RT (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.80; p < 0.001), and being surgically unfit (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.12-1.80; p = 0.004) were associated with OS. The study is limited by the heterogeneity of different treatment protocols.

CONCLUSIONS: RT for MIBC yields a CR in most patients who elect for curative-intent bladder preservation. The benefit of NAC and whole-pelvis RT require prospective trial validation.

PATIENT SUMMARY: We investigated outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer treated with curative-intent radiation therapy as an alternative to surgical removal of the bladder. The benefit of chemotherapy before radiotherapy and whole-pelvis radiation (bladder plus the pelvis lymph nodes) needs further study.

PMID:37005214 | DOI:10.1016/j.euo.2023.03.004

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Is Active Surveillance an Option for the Management of Men with Low-grade Prostate Cancer and a Positive Family History? Results from a Large, Single-institution Series

Eur Urol Oncol. 2023 Mar 31:S2588-9311(23)00069-X. doi: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.02.014. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Family history (FH) of prostate cancer (PCa) is associated with an increased risk of PCa and adverse disease features. However, whether patients with localized PCa and FH could be considered for active surveillance (AS) remains controversial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between FH and reclassification of AS candidates, and to define predictors of adverse outcomes in men with positive FH.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Overall, 656 patients with grade group (GG) 1 PCa included in an AS protocol at a single institution were identified.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed the time to reclassification (GG ≥2 and GG ≥3 at follow-up biopsies) overall and according to FH status. Multivariable Cox regression tested the impact of FH on reclassification and identified the predictors among men with FH. Men treated with delayed radical prostatectomy (n = 197) or external-beam radiation therapy (n = 64) were identified, and the impact of FH on oncologic outcomes was assessed.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Overall, 119 men (18%) had FH. The median follow-up was 54 mo (interquartile range 29-84 mo), and 264 patients experienced reclassification. The 5-yr reclassification-free survival rate was 39% versus 57% for FH versus no FH (p = 0.006), and FH was associated with reclassification to GG ≥2 (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-2.15, p = 0.002). In men with FH, the strongest predictors of reclassification were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD), high-volume GG 1 (≥33% of cores involved or ≥50% of any core involved), and suspicious magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate (HRs 2.87, 3.04, and 3.87, respectively; all p < 0.05). No association between FH, adverse pathologic features, and biochemical recurrence was observed (all p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with FH on AS are at an increased risk of reclassification. Negative MRI, low disease volume, and low PSAD identify men with FH and a low risk of reclassification. Nonetheless, sample size and wide CIs entail caution in drawing conclusions based on these results.

PATIENT SUMMARY: We tested the impact of family history in men on active surveillance for localized prostate cancer. A significant risk of reclassification, but not adverse oncologic outcomes after deferred treatment, prompts the need for cautious discussion with these patients, without precluding initial expectant management.

PMID:37005213 | DOI:10.1016/j.euo.2023.02.014

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Perioperative Complications and Oncologic Outcomes of Nephrectomy Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Multicenter Collaborative Study

Eur Urol Oncol. 2023 Mar 31:S2588-9311(23)00065-2. doi: 10.1016/j.euo.2023.03.003. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now a mainstay of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) management with five current Food and Drug Administration-approved regimens. However, data regarding nephrectomy outcomes following an ICI are limited.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of nephrectomy following an ICI.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective review was performed of patients with primary locally advanced or metastatic RCC undergoing nephrectomy following an ICI in five US academic centers between January 2011 and September 2021.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Clinical data, perioperative outcomes, and 90-d complications/readmissions were recorded and evaluated by univariate and logistic regression models. Recurrence-free and overall survival probabilities were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 113 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 63 (56-69) yr were included. The main ICI regimens were nivolumab ± ipilimumab (n = 85) and pembrolizumab ± axitinib (n = 24). Risk groups included 95% intermediate- and 5% poor-risk patients. Surgical procedures were 109 radical and four partial nephrectomies, including 60 open, 38 robotic, and 14 laparoscopic with five (10%) conversions. Two intraoperative complications were reported (bowel and pancreatic injury). The median operative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay were 3 h, 250 ml, and 3 d, respectively. A complete pathologic response (ypT0N0) was noted in six (5%) patients. The 90-d complication rate was 24%, with 12 (11%) patients requiring readmission. On a multivariable analysis, two or more risk factors (odds ratio [OR] 2.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09, 7.42) and pathologic T stage ≥T3 (OR 4.21, 95% CI: 1.13-15.8) were independently associated with a higher 90-d complication rate. The 3-yr estimated overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 82% and 47%, respectively. Limitations include the retrospective nature and heterogeneous cohort in terms of clinicopathologic characteristics and ICI regimens received.

CONCLUSIONS: Nephrectomy following ICI therapy is feasible and a potential consolidative therapy option in select patients. Further research in the neoadjuvant setting is also warranted.

PATIENT SUMMARY: This study evaluates the outcomes of kidney surgery following immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (mainly nivolumab and ipilimumab or pembrolizumab and axitinib) for patients with advanced kidney cancer. We utilized data from five academic centers across the USA and found that surgery in this setting did not have more complications or returns to the hospital than similar surgeries, indicating that it is a safe and feasible procedure at this time.

PMID:37005212 | DOI:10.1016/j.euo.2023.03.003

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Why has epidemiology not (yet) succeeded in identifying the origin of the asthma epidemic?

Int J Epidemiol. 2023 Apr 2:dyad035. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyad035. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:37004248 | DOI:10.1093/ije/dyad035

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Comparative Efficacy of Treatment Options for the Prevention of Post-TIPS Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2023 Apr 1;32(1):70-76. doi: 10.15403/jgld-4508.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is often used in patients with cirrhosis to manage portal hypertension-related complications. Unfortunately, 35-50% of patients develop overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after TIPS. However, data on lactulose and rifaximin to prevent post-TIPS HE is limited. Therefore, we aimed to perform a network meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of multiple pharmacological regimens in the prevention of post-TIPS HE.

METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy to identify reports of studies of rifaximin use on post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy was constructed using truncated keywords, phrases, and subject headings developed in Embase. This strategy was translated to MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Web of Science Core Collection, with all searches performed on 10 February 2022. No publication date or language limits were used.

RESULTS: The initial search identified 72 studies, and 56 studies were screened after removing duplicates. Five studies, two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and three retrospective studies, met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. A total of 840 patients were included, with 65% male. Our meta- analysis did not find a statistically significant difference between lactulose vs placebo/no prophylaxis, nor rifaximin vs placebo/no prophylaxis, nor rifaximin plus lactulose vs placebo/no prophylaxis in the reduction of post-TIPS HE.

CONCLUSIONS: Rifaximin alone, lactulose alone, and rifaximin plus lactulose did not significantly reduce the development of post-TIPS HE. Based on the P-scores of the three treatment groups, the combination of rifaximin plus lactulose showed the most promising trend towards preventing post-TIPS HE. More studies, especially large RCTs, are warranted.

PMID:37004220 | DOI:10.15403/jgld-4508

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AdaLiftOver: High-resolution identification of orthologous regulatory elements with adaptive liftOver

Bioinformatics. 2023 Apr 2:btad149. doi: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btad149. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

MOTIVATION: Elucidating functionally similar orthologous regulatory regions for human and model organism genomes is critical for exploiting model organism research and advancing our understanding of results from genome-wide association studies. Sequence conservation is the de facto approach for finding orthologous non-coding regions between human and model organism genomes. However, existing methods for mapping non-coding genomic regions across species are challenged by the multi-mapping, low precision, and low mapping rate issues.

RESULTS: We develop Adaptive liftOver (AdaLiftOver), a large-scale computational tool for identifying functionally similar orthologous non-coding regions across species. AdaLiftOver builds on the UCSC liftOver framework to extend the query regions and prioritizes the resulting candidate target regions based on the conservation of the epigenomic and the sequence grammar features. Evaluations of AdaLiftOver with multiple case studies, spanning both genomic intervals from epigenome datasets across a wide range of model organisms and GWAS SNPs yield AdaLiftOver as a versatile method for deriving hard-to-obtain human epigenome datasets as well as reliably identifying orthologous loci for GWAS SNPs.

AVAILABILITY: The R package AdaLiftOver is available from https://github.com/ThomasDCY/AdaLiftOver.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID:37004197 | DOI:10.1093/bioinformatics/btad149

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Examining injury trends in parcel delivery drivers in the United States: Challenges and opportunities

Am J Ind Med. 2023 Apr 2. doi: 10.1002/ajim.23473. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Growth of e-commerce has caused a vast increase in parcel delivery, which raises concern for safety of drivers and other road users as more deliveries take place.

METHODS: This project analyzes injury/illness and fatality trends among workers with delivery-related NAICS codes using three major sources of occupational hazard data in the United States: the Survey of Occupational Illnesses and Injuries, the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, and the Industrial Tracking Application. Descriptive statistics were employed to illustrate trends over time as well as to highlight opportunities for improved data collection and dissemination.

RESULTS: The number of injuries to drivers has risen sharply over the past decade. Some of this increase appears due to growth of this industry, but increasing overall rates suggest the industry is becoming more hazardous. While nonfatal injuries were typically caused by continuous workplace exposures (e.g., repetitive strain, contact with object/equipment), fatalities were almost exclusively caused by transportation incidents. Additionally, crucial aspects of these trends are difficult or impossible to analyze given the current data landscape.

CONCLUSIONS: Observed trends reinforce earlier calls for additional scrutiny of working conditions that threaten drivers. Injuries caused by transportation incidents are likely more severe than others and highlight the danger the transportation system poses to drivers and others. Current data collection and dissemination processes offer room to improve in terms of understanding how to prevent future injuries.

PMID:37004194 | DOI:10.1002/ajim.23473

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The prevalence of child maltreatment in Australia: findings from a national survey

Med J Aust. 2023 Apr 3;218 Suppl 6:S13-S18. doi: 10.5694/mja2.51873.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence in Australia of each type of child maltreatment; to identify gender- and age group-related differences in prevalence.

DESIGN, SETTING: Cross-sectional national survey; mobile telephone interviews using random digit dialling (computer-generated), Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021. Retrospective self-report data using validated questionnaire (Juvenile Victimisation Questionnaire-R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study).

PARTICIPANTS: People aged 16 years or more. The target sample size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16-24 years and 1000 respondents each from five further age groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65 years or more).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportions of respondents reporting physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence to age 18 years, assessed with the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study), overall and by gender and age group, and weighted to reflect characteristics of the Australian population aged 16 years or more in 2016.

RESULTS: Complete survey data were available for 8503 eligible participants (14% response rate). Physical abuse was reported by 32.0% of respondents (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.7-33.3%), sexual abuse by 28.5% (95% CI, 27.3-29.8%), emotional abuse by 30.9% (95% CI, 29.7-32.2%), neglect by 8.9% (95% CI, 8.1-9.7%), and exposure to domestic violence by 39.6% (95% CI, 38.3-40.9%). The proportions of respondents who reported sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect were each statistically significantly larger for women than men. The reported prevalence of physical abuse by respondents aged 16-24 years was lower than for those aged 25-34 years, and that of sexual abuse was lower than for those aged 35-44 years, suggesting recent declines in the prevalence of these maltreatment types.

CONCLUSIONS: Child maltreatment is common in Australia, and larger proportions of women than men report having experienced sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect during childhood. As physical and sexual abuse may have declined recently, public health policy and practice may have positive effects, justifying continued monitoring and prevention activities.

PMID:37004184 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.51873

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The Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS), a national survey of the prevalence of child maltreatment and its correlates: methodology

Med J Aust. 2023 Apr 3;218 Suppl 6:S5-S12. doi: 10.5694/mja2.51869.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To describe the aims, design, methodology, and respondent sample representativeness of the Australian Child Maltreatment Study (ACMS).

DESIGN, SETTING: Cross-sectional, retrospective survey; computer-assisted mobile telephone interviewing using random digit dialling (computer-generated), Australia, 9 April – 11 October 2021.

PARTICIPANTS: People aged 16 years or more. The target sample size was 8500 respondents: 3500 people aged 16-24 years and 1000 respondents each from five further age groups (25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65 years or more).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes: Emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exposure to domestic violence during childhood, assessed with the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire-R2 Adapted Version (Australian Child Maltreatment Study).

SECONDARY OUTCOMES: selected mental disorder diagnoses (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, MINI), selected physical health conditions, health risk behaviours, health service use.

RESULTS: The demographic characteristics of the ACMS sample were similar to those of the Australian population in 2016 with respect to gender, Indigenous status, region and remoteness category of residence, and marital status, but larger proportions of participants were born in Australia, lived in areas of higher socio-economic status, had tertiary qualifications, and had income greater than $1250 per week. Population weights were derived to adjust for these differences. Associations between the number of calls required to recruit participants and maltreatment rates and health outcomes were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS: The ACMS provides the first reliable estimates of the prevalence of each type of child maltreatment in Australia. These estimates, and those of associated mental health and health risk behaviours reported in this supplement can inform policy and practice initiatives for reducing the prevalence of child maltreatment and its consequences. Our benchmark study also provides baseline data for repeated waves of the ACMS that will assess the effectiveness of these initiatives.

PMID:37004182 | DOI:10.5694/mja2.51869